State govt supports call for more autonomy for Sarawak but warns against calls for secession
A theatre staged by performers depicting the moment when Sarawak was granted self-government on July 22, 1963.
KUCHING: The state government is sympathetic to the aspirations of groups like Sarawak for Sarawakians, but it is against any call for secession of the state from Malaysia.
Speaking at an assembly to commemorate Sarawak’s independence from British rule at the compound of the new DUN complex here yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem stressed that the state would not entertain the idea of seceding from Malaysia. It would, instead, try to gain more autonomy through negotiations with the federal government.
“While we believe in full autonomy for Sarawak under the constitution and devolution of more federal powers to the state, we do not approve any attempt to secede, including a referendum on the issue.
“We are Malaysia now and forever, so on this great occasion, let us celebrate and show that we are proud to be Malaysians. Let us always make it a point to sing both the national and state anthems on every occasion that we organise because this is how we show our loyalty to the country and state. There is no conflict between the two.”
He added that it could not be denied that Sarawak had benefited greatly from being a party in the formation of Malaysia in 1963, although more should have been done for the state based on the formation agreement.
Adenan noted it was obvious the aspirations of Sarawakians were to see that whatever was being done in the peninsula, such as good roads and highways, was also being implemented in the state.
“What they have in the peninsula, we also want it here. We don’t want to be left behind. We can wait of course, but not for another 50 years. We are getting impatient, and the state government is doing its best to fulfill this aspiration, provided the people continue to give us their full support.”
The chief minister pledged that the state government would insist on its autonomy based on the 18-point agreement, and a special committee had been formed to work out the details of certain powers that could be devolved back to the state.
“Of course our defence, foreign affairs and our security are taken care of by the federal government, but with regards to local matters, especially financial matters, we can be autonomous. This is the policy.”
On calls to the state government to declare July 22 a public holiday, Adenan said he would consider the request and decide before the end of the year.
“I do not wish to have too many holidays. So, if it is just an excuse to have an extra holiday, the answer is no, but if it is to commemorate our history and effort for the freedom of our people, we will consider it with great favour.
“So, wait until the end of the year before I can make the announcement.” The historic occasion yesterday was also attended by Yang Di-pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, federal and state cabinet ministers, and heads of government departments and agencies.